72nd Annual Meeting of the
Southern Legislative Conference

The 72nd Annual Meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference is in St. Louis, Missouri, July 21 – 25, 2018.

Convened as the focal point and culmination of its yearly activities, the Annual Meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference is the nation's largest regional gathering of state legislators, legislative staff and government officials, and the premier public policy forum for Southern state legislatures.

Focusing on both existing and emerging state government innovations and solutions, the SLC Annual Meeting provides policymakers diverse opportunities to engage regional and national policy experts about the issues that matter most to them and their constituents. As the foundation of policy discussions, officers of the Conference's six standing committees select the most critical and relevant state government policy issues facing the Southern region as committee session topics.

Of equal benefit, numerous informal discussions allow state government officials to share their knowledge and experiences with colleagues facing similar challenges and opportunities. This hallmark of the SLC Annual Meeting gives policymakers an opportunity to meet and collaborate on a broad spectrum of state government issues.

Missouri 2018

Each year, the SLC annual meeting reminds participants of the tradition of hospitality that is the trademark of the South and shines a spotlight on the host state’s year-long planning to accommodate members from across the region with special activities and events unique to both the host city and state.

How to Participate

Stay current on Annual Meeting updates via e-mail and the meeting app; and

Come to Missouri prepared to share, learn and enjoy!

Important Dates

June 1

Last day for discounted registration rates

Last day to secure hotel reservations

June 29

Last day for online Annual Meeting registration

Last day to cancel registration without incurring charges

Last day to submit a proposed policy position

July 21

Meeting convenes

On-site registration opens

July 25

Departures

A message from

Senate President Pro TemRon Richard, Missouri

Southern Legislative Conference Chair, 2017-2018

Dear Friends,

I am honored to serve as your Chair for the 2017–2018 term, and I look forward to hosting the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) in St. Louis, July 21–25, 2018, along with my colleagues in the Missouri General Assembly.

During my association with the SLC, I have learned that our regional legislative conferences, under the umbrella of The Council of State Governments, are the sounding boards for state elected officials; they are events where we can share our new, innovative programs and services, discuss regional developments for a vast array of issues, and compare ideas among close colleagues and neighbors. From these opportunities come possibilities.

The Southern Legislative Conference's unique convening power – sustained for more than seven decades – has enabled us to bring together diverse voices from within our region, helping to clarify differences and find practical solutions to shared governmental problems. Nowhere is our mission more on display than during our annual meetings, where we bring expertise, balance and informed debate to the state-level discussion of policy options.

As our legislatures convene in 2018, we will continue to seek solutions to the many challenges facing our states. The SLC is uniquely positioned to assist its members in this endeavor. As you prepare for your legislative sessions, I urge you to utilize the many programs and services available to you.

I look forward to working with you during my term, and I extend a personal invitation to each of you to "Meet Me in Missouri" in July.

The Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) of The Council of State Governments was established in 1947 and comprises presiding officers and key legislators from 15 Southern states. The SLC is a non-partisan organization located in Atlanta, Georgia.